The effect of artificial saliva on the control of dry mouth: a semi-experimental study on COVID-19 patients under Non-invasive mechanical ventilation.

OBJECTIVES: Since maintaining oral hygiene is essential in nursing care, the present study was conducted to determine the effect of oral care using Mucosamin artificial saliva spray to control dry mouth in ICU patients with COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The current semi-experimental research was conducted on eighty patients with COVID-19 selected using the available sampling method. The study tool was a Beck oral assessment scale (BOAS). The case and control groups were selected from two hospitals with relatively similar conditions and treatment procedures. For patients in the intervention group, mucosamin artificial saliva spray was used in addition to the common care, while control group patients received only common care. RESULTS: Eighty patients were randomly assigned to two groups named control and intervention (40 patients in each group). The intervention was very effective in reducing the BOAS score after four days in comparison with the control group (9.23 vs. 12.05, respectively; p-value < 0.001). Based on the adjusted model, the application of artificial saliva reduced the BOAS score, indicating improvement in mouth dryness. While the BOAS score was increased in the control group, it had a declining trend in the intervention one. CONCLUSION: The study's results showed that using artificial saliva spray could effectively reduce the symptoms of dry mouth in patients with COVID-19 treated with non-invasive mechanical ventilation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The present study introduced an applicable solution (artificial saliva) to treat mouth dryness in ICU patients under mechanical ventilation.

Berberine-fluconazole microparticle-based combination therapy to treat candidiasis infections.

AIM: This study aims to incorporate alginate microparticles containing berberine and fluconazole into two different types of pharmaceutical formulations, to subsequently evaluate the antifungal activity against Candida albicans. METHODS AND RESULTS: Alginate microparticles containing BBR (berberine) and FLU (fluconazole) were produced by the spray-drying technique, characterized and incorporated in two pharmaceutical formulations, a vaginal cream and artificial saliva. Broth microdilution, checkerboard, time-kill curve, and scanning electron microscopy were carried out to determine the antifungal effects of BBR and FLU against C. albicans. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values of free BBR were 125 µg ml-1. Synergism between BBR and FLU was demonstrated by a fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) = 0.0762. The time-kill curve for the combination BBR + FLU showed a more pronounced decrease in fungal growth in comparison to free drugs, and an antibiofilm effect of BBR occurred in the formation and preformed biofilm. CONCLUSION: Alginate microparticles containing BBR and FLU were obtained and incorporated in a vaginal cream and artificial saliva. Both formulations showed good stability, antifungal effects, and organoleptic characteristics, which suggest that BBR-FLU microparticles in formulations have potential as antifungal therapy.

EULAR recommendations for the management of Sjögren's syndrome with topical and systemic therapies.

The therapeutic management of Sjögren syndrome (SjS) has not changed substantially in recent decades: treatment decisions remain challenging in clinical practice, without a specific therapeutic target beyond the relief of symptoms as the most important goal. In view of this scenario, the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) promoted and supported an international collaborative study (EULAR SS Task Force) aimed at developing the first EULAR evidence and consensus-based recommendations for the management of patients with SjS with topical and systemic medications. The aim was to develop a rational therapeutic approach to SjS patients useful for healthcare professionals, physicians undergoing specialist training, medical students, the pharmaceutical industry and drug regulatory organisations following the 2014 EULAR standardised operating procedures. The Task Force (TF) included specialists in rheumatology, internal medicine, oral health, ophthalmology, gynaecology, dermatology and epidemiology, statisticians, general practitioners, nurses and patient representatives from 30 countries of the 5 continents. Evidence was collected from studies including primary SjS patients fulfilling the 2002/2016 criteria; when no evidence was available, evidence from studies including associated SjS or patients fulfilling previous sets of criteria was considered and extrapolated. The TF endorsed the presentation of general principles for the management of patients with SjS as three overarching, general consensus-based recommendations and 12 specific recommendations that form a logical sequence, starting with the management of the central triplet of symptoms (dryness, fatigue and pain) followed by the management of systemic disease. The recommendations address the use of topical oral (saliva substitutes) and ocular (artificial tear drops, topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, topical corticosteroids, topical CyA, serum tear drops) therapies, oral muscarinic agonists (pilocarpine, cevimeline), hydroxychloroquine, oral glucocorticoids, synthetic immunosuppressive agents (cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, methotrexate, leflunomide and mycophenolate), and biological therapies (rituximab, abatacept and belimumab). For each recommendation, levels of evidence (mostly modest) and TF agreement (mostly very high) are provided. The 2019 EULAR recommendations are based on the evidence collected in the last 16 years in the management of primary 2002 SjS patients and on discussions between a large and broadly international TF. The recommendations synthesise current thinking on SjS treatment in a set of overarching principles and recommendations. We hope that the current recommendations will be broadly applied in clinical practice and/or serve as a template for national societies to develop local recommendations.

Xerostomia/Salivary Gland Hypofunction: Diagnosis and Management.

The patient with xerostomia (sensation of dry mouth) or inadequate saliva (salivary gland hypofunction) may present with a wide range of clinical signs and symptoms affecting the oral cavity and systemic health. Recognition of these clinical presentations allows the dental healthcare professional to perform objective tests to identify the status of salivary gland function. Based on these results, recommendations for treatment using over-the-counter and prescription medications can be made. This article discusses clinical indications related to salivary gland hypofunction, testing methodologies, and treatment approaches.

A Pilot Study of Perceived Mouth Dryness, Perceived Swallowing Effort, and Saliva Substitute Effects in Healthy Adults Across the Age Range.

Xerostomia, or perceived mouth dryness, increases with advancing age, but its influence on swallowing effort is unknown. This study: (1) quantified relationships among age, perceived sense of swallowing effort, and ratings of perceived mouth dryness, and (2) examined changes in swallowing effort following application of a gel-based saliva substitute in healthy participants. This was a cross-sectional observational study and data were collected from attendees of a community healthy aging fair. Forty-two healthy participants (mean age = 65 years; 20 female) were enrolled. Each participant rated perceived effort with swallowing and perceived mouth dryness on a 10-cm horizontal, undifferentiated line. After participants applied a gel-based saliva substitute (Biotene® Oral Balance) to their tongue and oral mucosa, they rated perceived effort with swallowing again. Age was associated with greater perceived mouth dryness (r = 0.37, p < 0.03) but not with perceived swallowing effort (r = 0.16, p = 0.32). Perceived mouth dryness was associated with greater perceived swallowing effort (r = 0.62, p < 0.001). Perceived swallowing effort declined following application of the salivary substitute (mean difference = 9.39 mm, p < 0.002). Age was found to be a significant predictor of perceived mouth dryness (p < .02); and perceived mouth dryness was found to significantly predict perceived swallow effort (p < .001). Perceived mouth dryness increased with advancing age, but perceived swallowing effort did not. Regardless of age, participants with higher levels of perceived mouth dryness also reported more perceived effort with swallowing suggesting a role for adequate oral lubrication in this perception. Even in healthy participants, use of a gel-based saliva substitute lowered perceived swallowing effort.

Time-dependent effects of tongue cleaning with mouthwash or mouth moisturising gel on the number of microbes on the tongue surface of elders with care needs.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate time-dependent change in the number of microbes on the tongue surface after tongue cleaning using a mouthwash or mouth moisturising gel for elders fed with a feeding tube and with care needs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve elders fed through a feeding tube and with care needs participated in this prospective crossover study. There were four kinds of tongue cleaning modes as follows: (i) tongue cleaning with a mouthwash; (ii) tongue cleaning with a mouth moisturising gel; (iii) tongue cleaning with water; (iv) no tongue cleaning as a negative control. The total number of microbes on the tongue surface was measured using a rapid oral bacteria detection device at baseline, immediately after cleaning, and at 1, 3 and 5 hours after cleaning to evaluate the time-dependent change for each tongue cleaning mode. RESULTS: There were no significant differences regarding microbial count on every measurement in negative control and tongue cleaning with water. There were significant decreases immediately after cleaning, and at 1, 3 and 5 hours after cleaning compared to baseline when the tongue was cleaned with a mouthwash. There was a significant decrease between baseline and immediately after cleaning when the tongue was cleaned with a mouth moisturising gel. CONCLUSION: Tongue cleaning with mouth moisturising gel decreased the number of microbes on the tongue surface immediately after cleaning, and tongue cleaning with mouthwash decreased it for 5 hours.

A clinical trial of a novel emulsion for potential use as a saliva substitute in patients with radiation-induced xerostomia.

Researchers have recently developed a novel oily formulation for potential use as a saliva substitute for the treatment of dry mouth. The aim of this randomised, crossover study was to compare this new formulation to a currently available saliva substitute and a control of water on measures of mastication, subjective feeling of oral dryness and product acceptability. Forty participants treated with radiotherapy to the head and neck and experiencing xerostomia were invited to participate in the trial. Each participant trialled all three products in a randomised order. The effect of each product was measured using the Test of Masticating and Swallowing Solids (TOMASS), the Shortened Xerostomia Inventory (SXI) and a questionnaire designed to test patient acceptability of each product. Outcome data were gathered in a single session after the first administration of each product to evaluate immediate effects and after 7 days of use to evaluate longer-term effects. Statistical analyses consisted of repeated-measures analysis of variance and mixed models. There was no evidence that application of the three formulations had an effect on any of the TOMASS measures, either immediately or after one week of use (P > 0·05). There was a significant main effect of formulation on the SXI score (P = 0·02). Application of the novel emulsion resulted in a clinically small but significant improvement in SXI score (P < 0·01); however, application of methylcellulose (P = 0·21) and water (P = 0·81) resulted in no significant difference. There was no difference in participant acceptability between the three products (P = 0·32). The novel oily emulsion showed no clinically significant benefit over two existing products for relief of xerostomia. Indeed, none of the three products demonstrated significant change in patient outcomes.

Facilitated saliva secretion and reduced oral inflammation by a novel artificial saliva system in the treatment of salivary hypofunction.

Saliva substitutes and/or lubricants are commonly employed to lessen dry mouth symptoms by stimulating and/or substituting for the secretion of saliva. In this study, a novel artificial saliva containing inorganic salts, including sodium chloride and potassium chloride, and bactericidal agents, including potassium thiocyanate and lactoperoxidase, was formulated in the form of a solution (DM-sol) or gel (DM-gel). Those in vivo therapeutic efficacies were assessed in terms of saliva secretion and anti-inflammatory activity in rats and mice, respectively. Salivary secretion was promoted by mucosal application of DM-formulations in normal rats. In particular, DM-gel resulted in 2.5- and 1.9-fold greater salivary flow rates compared to normal saline and DM-sol, respectively. In an in vivo efficacy evaluation in diabetic mice with salivary hypofunction, repeated application of DM-formulations alleviated histopathological changes in the buccal mucosa in terms of atrophy and thinning of the epithelium, compared to vehicle, after 4 weeks. Moreover, the DM-sol and DM-gel were comparably effective for relieving periodontal gingivitis, reducing infiltration of inflammatory cells, and normalizing the neutrophil level in the gingival gingiva, after 4 weeks. Therefore, the novel artificial saliva is expected to facilitate salivary secretion and restore physiological conditions in the mouth of patients with salivary hypofunction.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of a chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and linseed (Linum usitatissimum) saliva substitute in the relief of xerostomia in elders.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of a chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and linseed (Linum usitatissimum) saliva substitute in the relief of xerostomia in older participants. BACKGROUND: In elders, xerostomia is a permanent and progressive condition that significantly affects their quality of life. The treatment for progressive xerostomia is currently restricted to palliative measures, and saliva substitutes are indicated. A lack of evidence on the effectiveness of the saliva substitutes in the relief of symptoms of xerostomia has been reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-four elderly participants presenting xerostomia of diverse origin were selected. Herbal saliva substitute and carboxymethyl cellulose conventional saliva substitute were tested using a double-blind, randomised, cross-sectional clinical trial. RESULTS: Every participant of the study exhibited dry mouth sensation. A sensation of thick saliva was described in 59.5% of the participants. The need for liquid intake to swallow food, the sensation of difficulty in swallowing and the burning sensation in the tongue were observed in 54.1, 56.8 and 27.0% of the participants, respectively. The most prevalent diseases were hypertension, depressive symptoms and arthritis. Results of the clinical tests showed that the herbal saliva substitute produced a greater relief of dry mouth symptoms, thick saliva sensation and the sensation of difficulty in swallowing than the conventional substitute (Wilcoxon test p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: New chamomile- and linseed-based saliva substitute was effective in relieving xerostomia symptoms in older participants of this study.

Manejo enfermero del paciente con xerostomía / Nursing management of the patient from xerostomia

La salud oral es un componente fundamental de la salud de las personas, siendo el cuidado de la boca un aspecto vital de la enfermería. Un problema de salud oral frecuente y desconocido es la xerostomía, una condición que afecta a entre el 10 % y el 38 % de la población y se define como la sensación subjetiva de boca seca. Con este artículo se busca conocer las distintas intervenciones basadas en la evidencia que como profesionales de enfermería podemos efectuar en el cuidado del paciente que sufre xerostomía. El manejo de la misma se basa en el diagnóstico, seguimiento y tratamiento de la enfermedad, mediante el empleo de diversas medidas farmacológicas y no farmacológicas, como son los estimulantes y sustitutos de la saliva y los fármacos con efecto colinérgicos. La xerostomía tiene un gran impacto en la persona que la sufre, siendo aún necesario mayor investigación, en la que la enfermería ha de jugar un papel protagonista (AU)

The oral healh is a fundamental component of the health of the people, being its care a vital aspect of nursing. A frequent and unknown oral health problem is xerostomia, a condition that affects between 10 % and 38 % of the population and which is defined as the subjetive experience of dry mouth. With this article we are looking forward to learn the different based on evidence-interventions that as nurses we can perform in the care of the patient suffering from xersotomia. The management of xerostomia is based in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of the disease, using diverse farmalogical and no farmalogical measures, like salivary stimulants and substitutes and colinergic drugs. The xerostomia has a big impact in the pacient, being necessary a bigger research of the subject, in which the nursing has to play a lead role (AU)

Storing Tooth Segments for Optimal Esthetics.

OBJECTIVE: A fractured whole crown segment can be reattached to its remnant; crowns from extracted teeth may be used as pontics in splinting techniques. We aimed to evaluate the effect of different storage solutions on tooth segment optical properties after different durations. STUDY DESIGN: Sixty central incisor crowns were divided into 6 groups (n = 10); Group 1 was kept dry; Groups 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 were placed in an isotonic solution, water, milk, saliva, and casein-phosphopeptide-amorphous-calcium-phosphate (CPP-ACP), respectively, for 30 min, 12 h, 1 day, 1 week, and 3 weeks. Color values were measured using a colorimeter. Data were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis tests, Mann-Whitney U-tests, and Friedman Wilcoxon tests with Bonferroni stepwise corrections (p < 0.05). RESULTS: ΔE* values varied from 0.3 to 15.3 over the 3 week period. Group 1 demonstrated the greatest color changes over all durations; Group 6 exhibited the least. L*, a*, b*, and ΔE* values varied between time periods in all groups; the differences were significant (p < 0.01), except for L* and ΔE* values in Group 2 and a* values in Group 6 (p > 0.01). Comparing ΔE* values, Group 6 was significantly different from the other groups for all durations (p < 0.01), except Group 4. CONCLUSIONS: A CPP-ACP complex solution seems a good choice for tooth fragment storage. Milk and saliva solutions may cause perceptible color changes if tooth fragments are stored for 3 weeks before use.

Influence of oral moisturizing jelly as a saliva substitute for the relief of xerostomia in elderly patients with hypertension and diabetes mellitus.

Dry mouth is common in elderly patients. However, the use of saliva substitute has been limited due to its inedibility. This study investigated the efficacy of oral moisturizing jelly (OMJ), a novel edible saliva substitute. A pre-post design was conducted in 118 elderly patients diagnosed with hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus. After using OMJ, signs and symptoms of dry mouth were compared with baseline data. The properties of saliva were compared between the OMJ use and non-use periods. The use of OMJ for 2 weeks significantly reduced symptoms of dry mouth, while the use for 1 month reduced the signs of xerostomia, prevented the decline of salivary pH(s) and improved buffering capacities. OMJ was equally effective in patients taking 1 to 2 and 3 to 7 medications. Furthermore, 65% of patients preferred OMJ over a commercial product. OMJ could be new edible saliva substitute for elderly patients suffering from dry mouth. Clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT02317172.

Xerostomia in geriatric patients: a burgeoning global concern.

Saliva plays a key role in maintaining oral homeostasis, function, and health. The prevalence of xerostomia and its consequences are rising due to the increasing aging population, the effects of some systemic diseases, medical management, and commonly-prescribed medications that reduce saliva production. When salivary function is diminished, patients are at a greater risk of developing caries, discomfort in wearing dentures, and opportunistic diseases, such as candidiasis. The psychosocial aspects of xerostomia can range from a mild effect on self-rated oral health to frustration, embarrassment, unhappiness, or substantial disruptions in quality of life. This article reviews the clinical features, diagnosis, and prevalence of dry mouth, as well as its treatment strategies.

Parasympathomimetic drugs for the treatment of salivary gland dysfunction due to radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: This is an updated version of the original Cochrane review on parasympathomimetic drugs for the treatment of salivary gland dysfunction due to radiotherapy (published in Issue 3, 2007). Salivary gland dysfunction is a predictable side effect of radiotherapy to the head and neck region. Pilocarpine hydrochloride (a choline ester) is licensed in many countries for the treatment of radiation-induced salivary gland dysfunction. Other parasympathomimetics have also been used 'off licence' in the treatment of this condition. OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy and tolerability of parasympathomimetic drugs in the treatment of radiation-induced salivary gland dysfunction (specifically radiation-induced xerostomia). SEARCH METHODS: For this update, we ran searches of the Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2015, Issue 6), MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL in July 2015. We checked the reference lists of retrieved articles for additional studies, contacted experts in the field for unpublished and ongoing trials, and contacted relevant pharmaceutical companies for unpublished and ongoing trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: The selection criteria for the review were: 1) randomised controlled trials; 2) people suffering from radiation-induced salivary gland dysfunction; 3) people treated with parasympathomimetic drugs; and 4) assessable data available on primary outcome measure. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The two review authors independently collected data from the full-text version of relevant papers including: 1) citation details; 2) participants; 3) interventions; 4) assessments; 5) outcomes (that is efficacy, tolerability); and 6) quality issues.Due to a lack of appropriate data, we were unable to perform a meta-analysis. MAIN RESULTS: In the original review, three studies, including a total of 298 participants, fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All three studies involved the use of pilocarpine hydrochloride. We have included no additional studies in the update of the review; we have excluded eight additional studies.The data suggest that pilocarpine hydrochloride is more effective than placebo and at least as effective as artificial saliva. The response rate was 42% to 51%. The time to response was up to 12 weeks. The overall side effect rate was high, and side effects were the main reason for withdrawal (6% to 15% of participants taking 5 mg three times a day had to withdraw). The side effects were usually the result of generalised parasympathomimetic stimulation (for example sweating, headaches, urinary frequency, vasodilatation). Response rates were not dose dependent, but side effect rates were dose dependent. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is limited evidence to support the use of pilocarpine hydrochloride in the treatment of radiation-induced xerostomia. Currently, there is little evidence to support the use of other parasympathomimetic drugs in the treatment of radiation-induced xerostomia. Available studies suggest that approximately half of patients will respond, but side effects can be problematic. The conclusions of the update are the same as the conclusions of the original review, since no new relevant studies have been published in the interim.

Reporte preliminar sobre el efecto de un sustituto salival a base de manzanilla (Matricaria chamomilla) y linaza (Linum usitatissimum) en el alivio de la xerostomía en adultos mayores / Preliminary report on the efficacy of a chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and linseed (Linum usitatissimum) based saliva substitute formulated for the relief of xerostomia in the elderly

Introducción: La xerostomía es una condición crónica que afecta a un alto porcentaje de adultos mayores, que deben ser tratados paliativamente mediante el uso de sustitutos salivales; sin embargo estos productos no se encuentran disponibles en el mercado nacional. Objetivos Evaluar la eficacia de un nuevo sustituto salival a base de manzanilla y semillas de linaza en la disminución de la sintomatología asociada a xerostomía en individuos adultos mayores. Metodología Se incluyeron 34 voluntarios adultos mayores con xerostomía de diverso origen. Un nuevo sustituto salival a base de manzanilla y semillas de linaza y un sustituto convencional a base de carboximetilcelulosa fueron testados en un ensayo clínico aleatorizado, cruzado, con período de blanqueamiento. Resultados El 100 por ciento de los sujetos presentó sensación de boca seca, el 58,8 por ciento sensación de saliva espesa, el 52,9 por ciento necesitaba beber líquidos para deglutir los alimentos y tenía sensación de dificultad para tragar. La sensación de ardor lingual se registró en el 23,5 por ciento de los individuos. Las enfermedades más frecuentes en la muestra analizada fueron la hipertensión arterial y la artritis. Los resultados del ensayo clínico indican que el sustituto salival a base de manzanilla y semillas de linaza disminuye significativamente la sensación de boca seca y la sensación de saliva espesa (test de Wilcoxon p < 0,05). Conclusión El nuevo sustituto salival a base de manzanilla y semillas de linaza es efectivo en el alivio de la sintomatología asociada a xerostomía en adultos mayores, por lo que puede contribuir a mejorar la calidad de vida de la población afectada por esta condición.

Introduction: Xerostomia is a common chronic health condition that affects a great number of elderly people. Palliative treatment, such as salivary substitutes should be used, but these products are not accessible in the Chilean market. Objectives To evaluate the efficacy of a new Chamomile and linseed based saliva substitute in the reduction of xerostomía-associated symptomatology in elderly people. Methodology Forty elderly subjects presenting with xerostomia of various origins were selected. Chamomile and linseed based saliva substitute and a carboxymethylcellulose based conventional artificial saliva were tested using a double-blind, randomized, cross-over clinical trial with an intervining wash out period. Results All (100 percent) of subjects had a sensation of dry mouth, and 58.8 percent mentioned a sensation of thick saliva, 52.9 percent needed to drink liquids to swallow, and with a sensation of swallowing difficulty. Burning tongue sensation was recorded in 23.5 percent of the patients. The most frequent pathologies in the sample were arterial hypertension and arthritis. Results of the clinical tests showed that Chamomile and linseed based saliva substitute significantly relieves the sensation of dry mouth and the sensation of thick saliva (Wilcoxon test P < .05). Conclusion New chamomile and linseed based saliva substitute was effective in relieving xerostomia symptoms in elderly people, and could improve the quality of life of population affected by this condition.

In vitro effect of calcium-containing prescription-strength fluoride toothpastes on bovine enamel erosion under hyposalivation-simulating conditions.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the ability of calcium-containing prescription-strength fluoride (F) toothpastes in preventing enamel erosion under low salivary flow simulating conditions. METHODS: Enamel and dentin bovine specimens were assigned to the following groups: A - placebo; B - 1,100 ppm F/NaF (Aquafresh Advanced); C - 5,000 ppm F/NaF (Prevident 5000 Booster); D - 5000 ppm F/NaF+calcium sodium phosphosilicate (Topex Renew); and E - 5,000 ppm F/NaF+tri-calcium phosphate (Clinpro 5000). Specimens were positioned in custom-made devices, creating a sealed chamber on the surface, connected to peristaltic pumps. Citric acid was injected into the chamber for 2 minutes, followed by artificial saliva (0.05 ml/minute), for 60 minutes, 4x/day, for 3 days. Aquafresh was also tested under normal salivary flow (0.5 ml/minute), as reference (Group F). Specimens were exposed to the toothpastes for 2 minutes, 2x/day. After cycling, surface loss (SL) and concentration of loosely- and firmly-bound F were determined. Data were analyzed by ANOVA. Results: Group A (placebo) presented highest surface loss (SL), while Group F had the lowest, for both substrates. For enamel, none of the dentifrices differed from Group B or among each other. For dentin, none of the dentifrices differed from Group B, but Group E showed greater protection than Group C. Group E presented the highest F concentrations for both substrates, only matched by Group D for firmly-bound fluoride on enamel. All fluoridated dentifrices tested reduced SL, with no additional benefit from higher F concentrations. Some formulations, especially Clinpro 5000, increased F availability on the dental substrates, but no further erosion protection was observed.

Efficacy and safety of a new oral saliva equivalent in the management of xerostomia: a national, multicenter, randomized study.

OBJECTIVE AND STUDY DESIGN: The clinical efficacy, safety, and acceptability of a new oral saliva equivalent (Novasial) administered four times daily in the treatment of xerostomia in various medical conditions was compared with that of oxygenated glycerol triester oral spray (Aequasyal) and a moisturizing spray (Biotene) in a 2-week, multicenter, randomized, crossover study. Assessment included patient-based evaluation of mouth dryness score (primary endpoint) with a visual analog scale (VAS), blinded assessment of the oral tissue condition by a four-point ordinal scale, and patient-based assessment of tolerability and acceptability. RESULTS: At day 14, Novasial decreased oral mouth dryness by 19.5%, (12.5 ± 22.6 mm, P < .0001 versus baseline), versus 10% (6.6 ± 17.9 mm with Aequasyal, P < .0001 versus Baseline; and P < .0156 versus Novasial) and 13% (8.6 ± 18.9 mm) with Biotene (P < .0001 versus baseline). The 50% decrease in the primary endpoint was not achieved, and the overall efficacy of Novasial and Aequasyal were similar with respect to xerostomia. Novasial was preferred to Aequasyal and Biotene in alleviating taste alteration and chewing difficulty. Treatment compliance was higher with Novasial (P = .0014 versus Aequasyal). The treatments improved the oral condition with equal efficacy and were safe and well tolerated (VAS 72-77 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Novasial was a safe, well-tolerated, and acceptable treatment in patients with xerostomia induced by various treatments or pathologic conditions.

Impact of Buccotherm® on xerostomia: a single blind study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this single blind study was to investigate effects of Buccotherm® spray on subjective symptoms of xerostomia patients. METHODS: Twenty patients with dry mouth complaint were instructed to use placebo six times a day for 2 weeks. After a wash period, mineral water spray was provided. Patients were asked to reply questions regarding dry mouth using visual analog scale (VAS). Baseline and subsequent subjective findings on 1 hour after the application of the materials at the end of 1st, 7th, and 14th days were recorded. RESULTS: At the end of 14-day treatment, no statistically significant differences were observed between the efficacy of placebo and commercial mineral water dental spray (p > 0.05). The VAS scores revealed that difficulty in mastication (p = 0.006), difficulty in swallowing (p = 0.00), need to sip liquids while eating (p = 0.000), difficulty in speech (p = 0.003), and waking up at night to sip water (p = 0.005) were statistically lower for placebo than commercial mineral water spray. CONCLUSION: The commercial mineral water dental spray was not more efficient than placebo in the management of dry mouth-related symptoms. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study emphasizes the fundamental role of saliva in oral health and evaluates the clinical utility of a commercial dental spray.